In light of the tragedy that happened at Pulse in Orlando, Geeks OUT wants everyone to know that we are there with you in Orlando, and we support every member of our beautiful, eclectic, important, and valuable queer community who were affected, directly or indirectly, by this horrible event. We want to offer our love and encouragement to everyone in our community, and our gratitude to those who do not identify as queer, but who stand with us, and for us.
As we begin to process the emotion that overwhelms us in response to the physical assault and murder of our brothers and sisters, may we remember that our feelings are OK. They are valid, and they are important. Let us take this time to remind ourselves that WE ARE NOT ALONE. Our community is here for us.
The ways we react to these emotions are equally important. We are in the midst of our struggle for social justice, fighting for equality and inclusion of all. And we are reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
We in the queer community have been hated for so long because we are different than the majority, but Geeks OUT encourages us to respond to the tragedy in the same way that our heroes do, and FIGHT FOR JUSTICE. But to do it in a way that inspires people toward love and acceptance, and away from hate and segregation. We are a beautiful community, and our goal is to be accepted and appreciated, to be safe and FEEL SAFE in the places we live. No matter what, WE ARE ONE. We share the same place that is the beautiful Mother Earth that we occupy, and we ask only to be treated equally and with respect.
We are all defined by our choices. May we continue to choose love over hate, good over evil. May we use this event to rekindle the solidarity between us, to inspire and create change for the betterment of us all.
Geeks OUT recognizes the importance of mourning together, supporting one another, and reminding each other of the beauty of our community. To find vigils in your area, search listings on WeAreOrlando.org.